‘Nonnas’ – Now, That’s Italian!

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Vince Vaughn’s motor-mouth routine made him a star.

In more recent times, he has abandoned that familiar style, as evidenced by unusual twists in “Arkansas,” “Brawl in Cell Block 99” and “Freaky.

Now, he’s targeting our heart strings in “Nonnas,” a Netflix original with a PG rating. Really.

As it happens, he’s an ideal fit for the narrative about a son grieving over his mother’s demise, striving to honor her memory. Although there may be moments that cause discomfort, Vaughn’s confident demeanor effectively carries the tale throughout.

In a different phrasing: Vaughn portrays Joe, a mature man who is grieving over the demise of his mother. A heartwarming prelude depicts young Joe running about in his New York neighborhood, savoring Italian pastries and enjoying time with his loved ones.

In Joe’s life, the kitchen held the greatest significance. It was the place where his mother and grandmother, affectionately known as Nonna, would weave their enchanting culinary spells. Nonna’s “gravy” was simply unrivaled.

After her passing, Joe finds himself adrift without the connection they shared. In a moment of spontaneity, he decides to use the insurance money to establish an Italian restaurant, but with a unique twist.

He’s planning on hiring a group of experienced cooks, who are affectionately known as “Nonna” (Italian for grandmother), to work in his kitchen. They bring a wealth of knowledge from their many years in the culinary field, but it remains to be seen if they can get along with each other without any issues.

Nothing is ever easy in the restaurant business, putting Joe’s limited skills to the test.

The spirited trio of “Nonnas” – Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro, and Talia Shire – are well aware they’re portraying stereotypes, yet they give performances that surpass what is anticipated from these characters.

Although Susan Sarandon is 78 years old, she appears so young that it seems unusual for her to work as a pastry chef in the group at the restaurant.

Certain aspects of the plot are so foreseeable they’ll make you flinch. A clumsily executed food fight scene comes close to undermining its effect on Joe’s journey. Subsequently, there’s a heartfelt plea for a miraculous intervention to save the restaurant. Remarkably, this miracle happens with such speed that even the latest Pope might question it.

And it’s impossibly on-the-nose to include a “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” needle drop.

In every grumble, there’s a delightful phrase to relish. The actors are spot-on, turning Italian stereotypes into warm and familiar moments. Vaughn delivers a relaxed performance as Joe that contrasts well with the Nonna’s collective laughter.

In the storyline, Shire is portrayed as a woman once known as a nun, now yearning for fresh experiences in life. The script contains an indirect critique of her religious beliefs, yet a pivotal scene in the third act hints at a renewal of her spiritual self.

The most delightful aspect of this Italian treat? Joe’s feelings towards Olivia (Linda Cardellini), his old prom date who re-enters his life at the start of the film. This romantic storyline may be predictable from afar, but “Nonnas” takes its time to let it develop until it’s perfectly seasoned.

It’s kind of like an Italian mother’s Sunday gravy.

HiT or Miss: “Nonnas” stumbles occasionally, but its sincerity is so palpable that you might overlook it entirely.

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2025-05-09 07:03